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PCOD vs PCOS - What is the Difference Between Them?

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Monika Dubey
Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 3 July 2024| min read
PCOD vs PCOS - What is the Difference Between Them?

Quick Summary

PCOD vs PCOS: What is the difference?

PCOD and PCOS are two of the most common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age. Both conditions are characterized by an imbalance of hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.

However, there are some key differences between PCOD and PCOS.

  • PCOD is a condition in which the ovaries develop multiple small cysts.
  • PCOS is a syndrome that is characterized by a number of symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.
  • PCOD is more common than PCOS.
  • PCOS is associated with a higher risk of developing certain health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOD or PCOS, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle changes have severely impacted people’s bodies, and not in a good way. Earlier, women used to hit puberty at the ages of thirteen to nineteen. However, today, girls between 10-12 years, with an average age of 10 years, experience their first menstrual cycle. Moreover, as opposed to menopause in the 50s, women today are experiencing menopause in their 40s. 

With these changes in lifestyle and menstrual cycle, there has been a significant increase in cases of PCOD and PCOS in India. But what are PCOD and PCOS? What is PCOD vs PCOS full form? Many women use these terms interchangeably because both conditions are related to ovaries and cause hormonal disturbances. However, there are several differences between PCOD and PCOS. Let’s delve deeper to get an in-depth understanding of PCOD vs PCOS. 

What is PCOD?

Every woman has two ovaries that release an egg alternatively every month. These ovaries produce female hormones responsible for periods, fertility, facial hair, etc. They also produce male hormones (androgens) but in very little quantity. In PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), the ovaries release several immature or partially mature eggs that turn into cysts over time. This results in giving the ovary a pearl-necklace appearance.

The release of immature eggs causes the ovaries to become large and secrete large amounts of male hormones, resulting in symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal weight gain, and hair loss. PCOD can be managed with lifestyle and diet modifications.

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What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder of the endocrine system. It causes hormonal imbalance in women between 12 and 51 years old (reproductive years). In PCOS, the ovaries produce high quantities of male hormones, interfering with the development and release of eggs. Some eggs develop into cysts (little sacs filled with fluid) that build up in the ovaries and sometimes get enlarged. 

The increase in male hormones can cause irregular ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Females with this condition may also skip menstrual periods and get abnormal hair growth on the body and face. In the long term, PCOS can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical attention or surgical intervention. 

Read More: PCOS in Hindi - पीसीओएस के लक्षण, कारण, इलाज और निदान क्या हैं?

PCOD vs PCOS Difference

While people may consider PCOD and PCOS the same, they are different. PCOS is usually considered a more severe condition than PCOD. The following table compares PCOD vs PCOS differences to help you understand how these two conditions differ from one another. 

Parameter

PCOD PCOS
PCOD vs PCOS Full Form

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Meaning It is a condition where the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs that transform into cysts. It is a more severe condition in which the ovaries produce a high quantity of male hormones, resulting in multiple cyst formations.

Occurrence

Almost one-third of women around the world suffer from PCOD. The number of women affected is fewer than in PCOD.
The number of follicles in ovaries

5 to 6 follicles

12 or more follicles

Impact on pregnancy

It does not affect fertility in all women. In about 80% of cases, women can get pregnant with little aid and medications.

 

It adversely affects female fertility, making it difficult for women to conceive. 

Complications

No serious complications

Can cause complications like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and advanced endometrial cancer. 

Team of doctors for treatment

Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, dietitian, dermatologist, infertility expert

Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, fertility healthcare provider, dietitian, mental health expert

PCOS Symptoms vs PCOD Symptoms

Today, several women have PCOD or PCOS but are unaware of it. Looking out for their symptoms can help in early diagnosis and management. Moreover, it is important to know their causes to develop an effective treatment plan. 

For PCOD vs PCOS symptoms, there are usually several overlaps. The key differentiator between PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms is that in PCOS, symptoms like hair growth, acne and weight gain are accompanied with PCOD. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms varies between these two conditions. The reasons for their occurrence are also more or less similar. The following table compares the symptoms and causes of PCOD and PCOS. 

Parameter PCOD PCOS
Symptoms
  1. Oligomenorrhea (less than nine menstrual periods in a year)
  2. Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods for three months or more)
  3. Heavy bleeding during periods
  1. Iregular periods
  2. Heavy bleeding during periods
  3. Male pattern baldness
  4. Hirsutism
  5. Headaches
  6. Acne
  7. Darkness of skin in areas such as armpits, neck, and groin
  8. Weight gain
Causes

It is believed to be associated with the following:

  1. Sedentary lifestyle
  2. Unhealthy diet
  3. Hormone altering medication
  4. Several over-the-counter medications and supplements
  5. Pollution
  6. Excessive insulin production
  7. Inflammation
  8. High androgen levels

Certain factors that contribute to this condition include:

  1. Insulin resistance
  2. Excessive androgen levels
  3. Low-grade inflammation
  4. Heredity

PCOD vs PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment

A gynaecologist uses a combination of tests to diagnose PCOD and PCOS. They may look at your signs and symptoms, evaluate your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and perform other lab tests. Additional tests may be performed to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions that cause symptoms similar to PCOD and PCOS. 

While PCOS and PCOD vary in several parameters, the two are similar in terms of the benefit derived from a healthy lifestyle and diet. Several other treatment options can help manage PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms. The following table compares the diagnosis and treatment for PCOD and PCOS. 

Parameters PCOD PCOS
Diagnosis
  1. Blood tests: Used to check blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol and hormonal levels
  2. Pelvic ultrasound: Used to look for cysts in ovaries and measure the uterus lining
  1. Pelvic exam: Used to look for problems with ovaries and other parts of the reproductive tract 
  2. Blood tests: Used to measure the levels of male hormones
  3. Ultrasound: Used to check the appearance of ovaries and the thickness of the uterus lining. If you have PCOS, your ovary expands and becomes 1.5 to 3 times bigger than normal.  
Treatment

There is no known treatment for PCOD. However, you can manage the symptoms associated with the condition by:

  1. Ovulation induction medication (to help regulate the menstrual cycle)
  2. Infertility treatment (to help with conception)
  3. Skin treatment (can reduce acne and skin darkening)
  4. Regular monitoring (to prevent PCOD problems in future)

Some medications and surgical options can also help manage PCOD symptoms:

  1. Progestin (medicine to correct amenorrhea)
  2. Clomiphene and letrozole (helps induce ovulation)
  3. Metformin (reduces insulin resistance and helps in weight loss)
  4. Birth control pills (oestrogen and progestin in these pills reduce the androgen levels in the body, combating anovulation)
  5. Immature follicle aspiration (reduces the number of immature follicles)
  6. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (helps reduce testosterone levels produced by the ovaries)

Medicines to regulate periods:

  1. Birth control pills
  2. Progestin therapy

Medicines to help you ovulate:

  1. Clomiphene
  2. Letrozole
  3. Metformin
  4. Gonadotropins

Medicines and creams to reduce excessive hair growth or treat acne:

  1. Birth control pills (reduces the production of androgen that causes excessive hair growth and acne)
  2. Spironolactone (reduces the effect of androgen on the skin; not recommended if a woman is pregnant or trying to get pregnant)
  3. Eflornithine (slows facial hair growth)
  4. Acne treatments (pills, topical creams, or gels to improve acne)

Surgical and laser treatments:

  1. Electrolysis and laser hair removal (to remove unwanted hair on the face and body)
  2. Ovarian drilling (to restore normal ovulation)
  3. In-Vitro Fertilisation (a fertility treatment that involves fertilisation of eggs outside a woman’s body)

Exercise for PCOD and PCOS

Despite PCOD vs PCOS differences, the best way to manage and control PCOD and PCOS is by making lifestyle modifications. 

  1. Regular exercise can help in weight loss which, in turn, lowers androgen and insulin levels. 
  2. You can engage in aerobic exercises, strength training, and HIIT workouts to prevent complications resulting from these conditions. 
  3. Exercises such as yoga and Pilates can help combat stress, which is common in women with PCOS.

Diet for PCOD and PCOS

Diet is a crucial component of managing PCOD and PCOS. It helps lower insulin levels, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of diabetes. The following is the list of what you should eat and avoid if you are diagnosed with either PCOD or PCOS. 

Foods to eat:

  1. Unprocessed foods
  2. Fibre-rich foods
  3. Dark red fruits (blackberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.)
  4. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, etc.)
  5. Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, etc.)
  6. Dried beans and lentils
  7. Broccoli and cauliflower
  8. Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc.)

Foods to avoid:

  1. Refined carbohydrates
  2. Fried food
  3. Processed meats
  4. Sugary beverages
  5. Excess red meat, such as hamburgers, porks, and steaks

Takeaway

While there may be similar symptoms and treatments for both conditions, there are several differences, such as PCOD vs PCOS full form, meaning, complications, impact on pregnancy, etc. The primary PCOD vs PCOS difference is that PCOS is a more severe condition than PCOD. Following a healthy diet and making certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and control hormonal imbalances caused by these conditions. 

PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms can be similar to the ones experienced in other reproductive disorders. Therefore, you should not self-medicate to control and manage the symptoms. Consult a specialist who will diagnose your condition by checking androgen levels and looking for cysts. HexaHealth can help you find the right gynaecologist or endocrinologist to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively. Contact an HexaHealth expert TODAY to avail extensive assistance throughout your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Both PCOD and PCOS do not have a complete cure. However, the symptoms of both can be managed by lifestyle modifications, like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a carbohydrate-rich diet, being active, and doing regular exercise. Furthermore, certain medicines and surgeries can help manage PCOD vs PCOS symptoms. 

Yes, a woman can have both PCOS and PCOD when she experiences symptoms like excessive hair growth, weight gain, and acne accompanied by PCOD.

PCOD is a medical condition in which the ovaries produce several immature or partially mature eggs. The exact cause of PCOD is not known. However, the factors contributing to the condition include poor lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, obesity, high androgen levels, inflammation, etc. 

PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women. However, having PCOS does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. It might be a little difficult, and you may need additional help. The following steps can help reduce your PCOS symptoms and increases your chances of a healthy pregnancy:

  1. Have a moderate weight and body mass index
  2. Eat a healthy diet
  3. Regularly check your blood sugar levels
  4. Use an ovulation calendar to check your periods

If lifestyle modification and fertility medications do not work, you may need IVF treatment to get pregnant. 

PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms often overlap. While PCOS symptoms appear early in life, PCOD symptoms are usually experienced later. Some common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS include:

  1. Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body)
  2. Darkness of skin areas like the neck, armpits, and groyne
  3. Hair thinning or loss
  4. Irregular periods
  5. Heavy bleeding during periods
  6. Acne
  7. Weight gain

PCOS is a more harmful and serious condition than PCOD. PCOD can usually be managed just by making lifestyle changes and may not even require any further treatment. However, this is not true for PCOS. 

PCOD can be controlled and almost cured by following a healthy diet and exercise regime. However, PCOS requires consultation with a healthcare professional as it is a metabolic disorder. In cases when PCOD requires further treatment, the available options are more or less similar for both these conditions.
Yes, a PCOD can turn into PCOS when PCOD is accompanied by symptoms such as excessive hair growth, weight gain, and acne.

Last Updated on: 3 July 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Monika Dubey

Dr. Monika Dubey

MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology

21 Years Experience

A specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with a rich experience of over 21 years is currently working in HealthFort Clinic. She has expertise in Hymenoplasty, Vaginoplasty, Vaginal Tightening, Labiaplasty, MTP (Medical Termination...View More

Author

About Authors

HexaHealth Care Team

HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.

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